Abstract:
Background: Allergic rhinitis is one of the commonest atopic diseases which contribute to significant morbidity
world wide while its epidemiology in Tanzania remains sparse. There was paucity of information regarding allergic
rhinitis in our setting; therefore it was important to conduct this study to describe our experience on allergic
rhinitis, associated co-morbidities and treatment outcome in patients attending Bugando Medical Centre.
Methods: This was descriptive cross-sectional study involving all patients with a clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
at Bugando Medical Centre over a three-month period between June 2011 and August 2011. Data was collected
using a pre-tested coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical computer software version 17.0.
Results: A total of 190 patients were studied giving the prevalence of allergic rhinitis 14.7%. The median age of the
patients was 8.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1. Adenoid hypertrophy, tonsillitis, hypertrophy of inferior
turbinate, nasal polyps, otitis media and sinusitis were the most common co-morbidities affecting 92.6% of cases
and were the major reason for attending hospital services. Sleep disturbance was common in children with
adenoids hypertrophy (χ2 = 28.691, P = 0.000). Allergic conjunctivitis was found in 51.9%. The most common
identified triggers were dust, strong perfume odors and cold weather (P < 0.05). Strong perfume odors affect female
than males (χ2 = 4.583, P = 0.032). In this study family history of allergic rhinitis was not a significant risk factor
(P =0.423). The majority of patients (68.8%) were treated surgically for allergic rhinitis co morbidities. Post operative
complication and mortality rates were 2.9% and 1.6% respectively. The overall median duration of hospital stay of
in-patients was 3 days (2 – 28 days). Most patients (98.4%) had satisfactory results at discharge.
Conclusion: The study shows that allergic rhinitis is common in our settings representing 14.7% of all
otorhinolaryngology and commonly affecting children and adolescent. Sufferers seek medical services due to
co-morbidities of which combination of surgical and medical treatment was needed. High index of suspicions in
diagnosing allergic rhinitis and early treatment is recommended.
